As I make a lot of different projects, I have amassed a large collection of scraps and small off cuts. Sometimes it can be hard to think of things to make with them, but whilst browsing through Dollybird vol. 23 I spotted a really quirky outfit set for Tammy, I think the creator is Caochan. It has very 70s boho vibes and best of all the charm of the set is the eclectic mix of fabrics used. In the winter I went through my box and cut out lots of pattern pieces for those days when I just feel like quickly creating something without too much effort, cutting the fabric is my least favourite part of the process.
Thankfully the pattern is quite simple as there are no photo instructions, just a small box of Japanese text 😠Dollybird can have some lovely outfits to make but how the instructions are provided is really hit and miss and even though translation tools are much better these days it can still be hard to follow if no photos are provided.
I’m going to explain roughly what I did to make the skirt with some photos.
First, take the two largest panels and create a gathering stitch across the top. If you have time I recommend using two rows to get a nice even gather. Today I am feeling lazy, so only did one row. The way I like to gather is to find the middle of each panel, pin in the middle, right sides together, then gather one side, match the ends up and adjust the gathers slacking and tightening as needed, pinning as I go. Then I do the same for the other side on the piece. I repeat for the other side panels.
Sew the gathered sections together. Open them out and topstitch so the seam is pointing upwards on the back (you can iron it to help it to sit in the right place.) If you want to add a lace trim to the middle, lay the trim on the front side of one of your panels with the flat side of the trim lined up with the edge. Now take the middle strip and place it on top of the trim, so it creates a sandwich, pin these three layers together and sew. Once done, repeat to attach the other side panel. Press the seams so they are facing away from the middle and top stitch.
Next I add some trim to the bottom hem, lay the trim on the right side of your skirt, lining the plain edge of the trim with the bottom edge of the skirt, pin and sew as close to the edge as you can. Once done, fold the fabric behind so you can only see the trim, press and topstitch.
Gather the top of the skirt and fit the belt on as you did at the beginning of the project for the first panels. Now on each side press half a cm from the top of the skirt, down to about 3 cm past the belt, pin. Do this on both sides and sew, this is so you will have a neat edge for the skirt closure. Fold the belt over, pin and topstitch. For the sides and belt, I do fold them over twice so there are no rough edges showing, but it is optional. Now fold the skirt in half right sides together and line the edges up, pin. Leave a gap at the top down to where you sewed the sides. From there sew down to join the back of the skirt together. Turn inside out, press and add a snap to the belt. Done!
Here is Opal, she was feeling shy about showing it off. A little rough and ready as I was not feeling overly patient today, but good enough. I have made a few of these, expect a photo story involving them soon.
